MUSCAT (AFP) - Oman's air force has evacuated three United States citizens from war-torn Yemen to the Omani capital Muscat following a request for aid from Washington, the sultanate's foreign ministry said on Thursday (Nov 19).

Oman "coordinated with Yemeni authorities to find them (the Americans) and allow them leave" late on Wednesday from the airport in Yemen's rebel-controlled capital Sanaa, the ministry said in a statement carried by state news agency ONA.

The brief statement gave no details on the identities of the US citizens.

It said the trio were in Muscat "before heading home", but provided no timeline.

Neighbouring Oman has kept out of a Saudi-led military campaign waged against the rebels since March in support of exiled President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi.

It has provided both a neutral talks venue and a key mediating role in Yemen, brokering several releases of prisoners or hostages held in Yemen.

In September, Oman secured the release of two other Americans, three Saudis and a Briton held by Huthis.

The Straits Times

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